AgriLife Extension names new Swisher County agent

TULIA – John Villalba assumed duties as the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for agriculture and natural resources in Swisher County on Nov. 4, according to an announcement made by Swisher County Judge Harold Keeter and Michael Clawson, AgriLife Extension administrator at Lubbock.

John Villalba (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Courtesy Photo)

“John is transferring from a similar position in Jack County in AgriLife Extension’s Rolling Plains District,” Clawson said. “John brings with him a wealth of educational experience from his previous post that will serve him well in his Swisher County assignment.”

Villalba has a bachelor’s of science degree in interdisciplinary agriculture from Texas Tech University and a master of science degree in agricultural Extension education from New Mexico State University.

Villalba began his Extension career in 2006 as an Extension 4-H agent in Quay County with the New Mexico State University Extension Service where he was responsible for coordinating the county’s 120-member 4-H program. His duties there included preparing budgets and planning and implementing special interest school enrichment, volunteer leadership and traditional programs.

In 2012, he transferred to Jack County where his responsibilities included planning the county’s AgriLife Extension agricultural programs in a number of areas and serving as the 4-H coordinator.

Villalba’s honors include winning the AgriLife Extension District 3 Educational Newsletter Award, being honored with a Quay County 4-H honorary membership and winning the New Mexico 4-H Youth Development Professional Achievement Award-Green Level.

While in Jack County, he was a member of the Jacksboro Chamber of Commerce executive committee and the Jacksboro advisory council.

His 4-H youth judging teams have won the 2013 District 3 4-H Livestock Skillathon Champion Senior Team honors, and in New Mexico, his teams garnered dairy cattle, land and entomology team wins.

Villalba fills the position formerly held by David Graf who transferred to a similar AgriLife Extension position in Wichita County.